Monday, December 30, 2024

House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanen

  How do you decide the future of a young girl that can't speak?  She has 3 likely guardians that all want the best for her (or do they) and will do anything to protect her from the scary world outside of the "House of Glass."  Actually, it is more like a "plastic" house.  The obscenely rich family decided to remove all glass from the house after the recent tragic death of their nanny - who fell to her death from the third floor after crashing through the window!

Did the young girl (Rose) witness this accident, or was she more involved and was this an accident at all?  Why isn't she speaking?  Stella Hudson thinks she knows - traumatic mutism (is that a thing?).  She suffered from the same thing after her mother's death.  She has also been assigned to investigate the best possible custody option for Rose, now that her parents are divorcing.  However, the nanny's death (Tina) is still under investigation and the cops suspect foul play.  If Stella doesn't know who the killer is, does she risk granting custody of Rose to a murderer?

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Discussion Questions

  1. The story opens up with Stella observing Rose (her future client) heading to her weekly therapy appointment.  She watches as she picks up a shard of glass and hides it in her pocket.  What do you think the significance of this scene is and why do you think the author chooses to open the book with it?
  2. Later, Stella meets her soon to be ex-husband, Marco, at a bar to sign their divorce papers.  What did you find most intriguing about this scene and its importance to the book's overall plot/themes?
  3. Marcos' mother is later introduced in the story for a short time.  Why do you think the author chose to highlight this relationship?  Was it important to the book's overall plot/themes?
  4. Stella finally enters the Barclay's residence and there is much commotion with construction and family members busying themselves about the house.  What was your first impression of the Barclay family?  What was your first impression about the house, as Stella described it?
  5. Rose and Stella have a disorder the author names "traumatic mutism," which is a form of "selective mutism."  Do you think this exists?  What do you think causes it?  How do you believe it can be cured?  What are the parallels between Rose and Stella's mutism?
  6. Stella has a confidante in Charles.  Is this a good or bad relationship?
  7. Tina - the nanny - was important to the plot because her death seemingly sparked the family's fracture.  Do you think that the family was intact before the death or were there other signs?  If Tina did not join the family, would this have happened?  
  8. The introduction of another character to the family, Harriet, also made an impact on the dynamic.  Do you believe the family would have been able to survive without Harriet but with Tina?  Or without both of them?  Could Ian, Beth, and Rose be a close family with just each other?
  9. Did you find the ending shocking?  Believable? Tragic?
  10. What do you think will happen next?


The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer

 Is this actually a thriller?  No, more like fantasy, but I guess I let one slip :)

The book is endearing and lovely, though, so it is fun to take a break from the murder and mayhem everyone once and a while.

The love interest is a bit weird for me, maybe it is the extreme age difference and that feelings began when the girl was just a young girl (13 years old).  However, that may not be true for the male counterpart.  You decide.

There are a lot of different psychological elements in this book either way.  Attachment, depression, loneliness, isolation, trust issues, etc.  So, we will definitely have a lot to talk about during our BOOK CLUB!

My favorite character is definitely Christopher.  He represents innocence, hope, love and excitement all in one.  He also has the element of tragedy and loss in his character, which makes him appealing and endearing.  He could be the glue that keeps this story going.  What do you think?

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Discussion Questions

Taken from: 
  1. The Wishing Game revolves around the Clock Island books that so many children loved when they were growing up. Did reading this book remind you of when you fell in love with reading? What was your favorite book (or book series!) as a child?
  2. The themes of “family” and “parenthood” are woven throughout the novel. Discuss each character’s experiences with family and how this impacts their decisions and motivations.
  3. Lucy, Hugo, Christopher, and Jack all struggle with deeply rooted fears. How does each character face and overcome these?
  4. Why do you think Jack Masterson recreated Clock Island in the real world? Why do you think it wasn’t finished before the game?
  5. The author sometimes pairs scenes from the Clock Island books with chapters of The Wishing Game. Discuss how these two stories connect and why the author made this stylistic choice to help tell her story.
  6. So much of the novel deals with family, especially the idea of “found family.” What do you think of the idea of “found families”? What do you think defines what “family” really is? Who is in your family of choice?
  7. Were you surprised by the outcome of the contest?
  8. What do you make of Hugo’s comment to Jack that he “can’t save the world”? How does Jack try to save everyone around him?
  9. If you could travel to any fictional world, what would it be?
  10. Who would you cast as each character in a movie adaption of The Wishing Game?

Saturday, December 14, 2024

The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean

 Ellie Black is back, but she's not better than ever!  After going missing for over 2 years, Ellie is found in the wilderness over 1 hour away from where she used to live.  She shows visible signs of malnutrition and poor hygiene, but otherwise unscathed.  She's also not talking.  She is keeping something, something almost sinister, from her parents and the police.  Detective Chelsey Calhoun, who has been working her case since the disappearance, is determined to get the answers, even if that means arresting the victim.

Find out what is behind all of Ellie's secrets and join us for our book club.

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Discussion Questions

Who is Ellie Black?  How and why did she disappear?

How is Chelsey Calhoun involved in the story of Ellie Black?

Why did Chelsey become a police officer?  Do you believe she would have chosen this profession if her father was not a police officer?

What happened to Chelsey's sister?

Why did Chelsey's mother leave?  Where do you think she is now?  Why do you think she didn't come back when Chelsey's father died?

What did you think about Ellie's kidnapping?  Why do you think she was kept in the underground bus?

The kidnappers chose to rename the girls using virtuous nouns (i.e., Hope, Charity, etc.).  Why do you think he did that?

It appeared that Serendipity was there by choice.  Do you believe that?

Ellie chose to follow her kidnapper's directions; however, she did not complete the mission.  Do you believe she was willing to do it?

What do you think happens next for all of the characters?


Friday, November 29, 2024

Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth

 This author truly knows how to pull on your heart strings!  She highlights important issues in society and brings to light how it can lead to tragedy and psychological repercussions.  In this novel, she chooses to discuss foster systems and how awful every child's situation is when they are left without a home or parent to care for them.  In this book, the awfully tragic life of three girls is compounded by an abusive foster parent situation.  How often does this happen?  How do these children survive?  Or do they?

There are 3 heroines in Darling Girls.  Each of them enters into the foster care of Miss Fairchild living in an idyllic farmhouse known as Wild Meadows.  They can't wait to escape the clutches of their overbearing foster mother.  They devise a plan, and it appears to work, until no one believes them about their other sister.  Were they making it up?  Or was someone lying.  All the answers surface when Wild Meadows makes the news about 20 years later.

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Discussion Questions

  1. Jessica
    1. Why was she in the foster system?
    2. What was her relationship with Miss Fairchild?
    3. Why do you think she had the most difficult time letting go of her?
    4. What did her experience translate to in her adult life?
  2. Norah
    1. What led to her stat at Wild Meadows?
    2. What changed in the household after she came?
    3. What did her experience translate to in her adult life?
  3. Alicia 
    1. What brought her to Wild Meadows?
    2. How was her experience different from the others?
    3. What did it translate to in her adult life?
  4. Wild Meadows 
    1. What happened that was so shocking at Wild Meadows?
    2. What was found that was being investigated?
    3. What was the explanation?
    4. Do you believe it?
  5. Miss Fairchild 
    1. What is her story?
    2. Why do you think she did all of this?


Sunday, November 17, 2024

Kill For Me Kill For You by Steve Cavanagh

 Strangers on the Train gone wrong, in my opinion.  However, a very clever twist.  The back and forth was misleading but I also think that was on purpose.  I enjoyed that twist toward the end.  The characters were believable, and I found no issues connecting with them.  One of my favorites was Scott, who was willing to do anything for his wife.  Another was the detective, Farrow, who had a passion for solving cases but didn't lose his compassion for others.  

One character I am on the fence about is Billy, though.  Wonder what you think about him.

Join the discussion in the comments below or at the Book Club on December 20, 2024.

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Discussion Questions

  1. Of the three main characters (Amanda, Ruth, and Farrow), which story line were you most interested in?
  2. The story opens with Amanda's failed attempt to murder her daughter's killer.  What was the most frustrating thing about this scene?
  3. In Chapter 2 we are then abruptly introduced to Ruth's attack.  What did you think of the timing of each introduction (Amanda & Ruth)?  Did you think, at this time, they were connected?
  4. Farrow, the detective in both cases, is our third introduction.  What is the importance of his connection to both Amanda and Ruth?
  5. Amanda's story (her planned murder of Wallace Crone) is interrupted when she meets Wendy.  Amanda talks about having difficulty connecting with others since her daughter and husband's death.  Why do you think it was so easy for her to connect with Wendy?
  6. Naomi tells Amanda she has killed Crone and Amanda is quick to believe it.  Would you have been?  Then she pressures her to quickly follow through with her end of their plan.  What was it and would you have done it?
  7. Billy saves Amanda from being arrested and provides a story that is similar to hers.  Knowing what you know now about Billy's character, do you see where the holes are in his story?  Did you originally (or do you still) believe him?
  8. What are your current thoughts on Ruth's character and her psychosis?  What do you think led her to this mental state?  How was she able to maintain this?  Do you think she will keep at it or stop?
  9. What next for Amanda?  Farrow?
  10. Do you think they will ever catch Mr. Blue Eyes?

Saturday, November 2, 2024

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

 Another classic.  Must admit, I have never read this before.  It was always one that I was interested in picking up, but never got around to it until now.

There are several components to this book that I find intriguing.  Firstly, the magic of the painting is only timidly explained.  Certainly, it leaves much to the reader's imagination in that aspect.  Nonetheless, the character of Dorian Gray and how he relates to all other characters are vividly described and most compelling for the reader.  It starts and, basically, ends with the relationship between Dorian and Basil (the infamous painter); however, the unraveling of Dorian Gray I will strongly attribute to the other main-ish character, Lord Henry.  Do you disagree?

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Discussion Questions

  1. In the preface, Wilde writes that "there is no such thing as a moral or immoral book."  What do you think he means by this?
  2. What is the relationship between Basil and Dorian ... from beginning to end?
  3. What are Lord Henry's code of beliefs?  How does he view conventional morality and in what ways does he challenge it?  How does his ways of thinking influence Dorian?
  4. In the story, Lord Henry gives Dorian a "yellow book."  Apparently, this book has a great influence on Dorian because in the end he blames the book for his actions.  What do you think the book was?
  5. Sybil Vane was Dorian's first love.  Do you think Dorian was actually in love with Sybil?  What do you think would have happened if Sybil did not commit suicide?
  6. The portrait seems to change in ways that Dorian does not.  What does the portrait represent?  What does it suggest is happening to Dorian's soul?  Why does Dorian choose to lock it away?
  7. Dorian's scandalous behavior, although not fully explained, shocks his peers, yet he remains welcome in social circles.  Why?  What is Wilde suggesting about "polite" London society?
  8. James Vane, brother of Sybil, is killed by accident.  Dorian believes he is lucky and chooses to reform his life.  Was he successful?  What are some actions that he feels are moral behaviors?  
  9. In the end Dorian dies, as well.  How?
  10. What do you believe the moral of the story is?


Saturday, October 19, 2024

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

 Classic horror and thriller novel!

This is one of those ghost stories that will chill you to the bone, well, not totally.  There are several indications of suspenseful moments, but the overall novel is benign when it comes to actual horrific events.  The whole of the goriness that is Hill House lies in the mind of the inhabitants.  

Do you believe in ghosts?  I do and know that others have psychic experiences that cannot be explained without invoking a medium - that's what I think was happening at Hill House.  A medium did show up, but she was less than helpful.

There were no "dead bodies" until the end ...

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Discussion Questions

  1. Dr. Montague is looking to analyze a haunting.  Knowing more about his character and his relationship with his wife, a medium, why do you think he is so interested in getting scientific evidence of a haunting?
  2. Dr. Montague has sent several inquiries to various people with various past experiences in hauntings and poltergeists, only 2 respond, two females Eleanor and Theodora.  Why do you think it is significant that only 2 people (females) responded?
  3. Eleanor and Theodora are very different, yet Theo insists they are very similar and are practically cousins.  Who do you think needs this connection more, Eleanor or Theodora?
  4. Why do you think Theodora never reveals her last name?
  5. Luke Sanderson stands to inherit Hill House and is sent to stay with Dr. Montague and the ladies by his family, for insurance reasons.  Do you think he is happy to be a guest at the Hill House?
  6. What are your general impressions of Hill House?  It was built by Hugh Crain as a gift to his wife, who died on the property before she could set foot into it.  Does that add to the eerie impressions?  The architecture of the home is unique.  Could these unique elements be attributing to the overall negative aesthetic of the property?
  7. The line "Journeys end in lovers meeting" is from Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and is constantly repeated throughout (especially by Eleanor).  What does it mean in context to the story of Hill House?
  8. It becomes increasingly clearer that Eleanor is being targeted by the house.  Why do you think the team chooses to ignore the signs and not protect her right away?
  9. Dr. Montague's wife joins the crew at the end of a long week.  She brings along a protégé, Arthur.  What do these characters add, if anything, to the story?
  10. In the end, Eleanor takes her own life as she was forced to leave the property by everyone else.  Why do you think she did this?

Friday, October 11, 2024

Thicker Than Water by Brigid Kemmerer

 This one took a turn.  I was completely into the teenage angst and romance and rooting for the main characters, then, well ... what just happened?

The story dives into the possibility of empathic powers and mind control.  Where empathy and apathy are real constructs and part of some human experiences, can an individual truly use the ability to feel someone else's feelings to truly control them?  No.  There are no recorded cases, but hey, this is fiction, right?

Well, I to have to say that there is mastery in this author's writing.  She has a literary way of placing a person in the character's feelings - did she just give us empathic powers?  There were two points of view in this book, and I felt like I related to each of them.  

I hope you enjoy it, too.

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Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think the title of the book is Thicker than Water?  How does it relate to the story?
  2. The story is written in two points of view, Thomas and Charlotte, in a linear way.  Why were only these two perspectives chosen for the narrative?
  3. How are Thomas and Charlotte different?  How are they the same?
  4. Thomas is accused of killing his mother.  What are the clues that lead to that conclusion?  Why is he not arrested for the crime?  Are there other suspects?  Who?
  5. We find out Thomas is a great artist.  What is the significance of his talent?
  6. Charlotte's best friends Nicole does not seem to fit in with most of the town's personalities.  What does her character bring to the story?
  7. There was another murder, Charlotte's friend/acquaintance, in town a few years before.  Who did it? 
  8. Why do you believe Thomas' mother left his father and brother?  Do you think his father is still alive/around?
  9. Who is Thomas' brother and what is his "gift"?
  10. What did you think of the ending/outcome?  Would you change it?

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Middletide by Sarah Crouch

 This was an intriguing story/plot line.  I have read several books from different points of view, different timelines, timelines that bounce around from past to present or future, and even characters that have multiple personalities and their perspectives.  However, the way Sarah Crouch wrote this book was remarkable.  

Essentially a young female doctor is found hanged to death.  Initially suicide is suspected, but then murder is implicated.  What's even more sinister the manner of death was nearly identical to the method of death implied by a local author's failed novel.  Not to mention she was found dead on his property!

In the end the true killer is identified; however, there were some plot holes that didn't fit to me (i.e., how were her bare feet so clean?)

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Discussion Questions:

  1. Elijah Leath seemingly leaves to become an author.  Do you believe he had other reasons for leaving?  Did you believe he was going to return?
  2. Elijah returns and has ultimately become a man of the land.  What do you think the significance of his seclusion is to the story?
  3. Elijah returns and reconnects with his former lover.  What did you think about Elijah and Nakita's relationship?
  4. Elijah did not connect with his biological father; however, two father figures emerged within the story, Chitto and Reverand Samuel Mills (Nakita's father).  Why do you think it was important for the author to include them in the story?  What did you think of the timing of their appearance and dismissal (Chitto dies shortly before Elijah reconnects with Nakita)?
  5. Suicide or Murder?  What were some of the clues offered that led the detectives to believe Dr. Erin Landry was murdered.
  6. Elijah believes Erin framed him for her murder because she blamed him for her daughter's death.  What do you think?'
  7. What are your thoughts on the outcome?

Saturday, August 17, 2024

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

 Amnesia after a traumatic event is quite common, as many victims of trauma repress these memories as a coping mechanism.  Is that what is happening to Lucy?  How can that be if everyone thinks she's the killer?  Do they repress memories, too?

Lucy became the best suspect of her best friend's murder when she was found covered in her blood and disoriented.  Further scrutiny came when she claimed that she had no memory of the tragic night.  When no evidence was found to either exonerate or implicate her, the case went cold.  

That is until a true crime podcaster started to dig into this intriguing case and Lucy's past is brought into clear view.  

Will she remember that night?  Did she actually kill her best friend, Savvy?  If she didn't, who did?

Join the Book Club Meeting online on October 4, 2024 @ 7 PM - RSVP HEREUse code SAVVY to join for **FREE**

Discussion Questions:

  • The story begins with Lucy losing her job because her past has been advertised in a popular podcast.  Do you think the employer was justified?
  • What are your thoughts on Lucy's relationship with Nathan?  We get many clues throughout the story about her disinterest in him and their life together.  Why do you think she "kept" him?
  • Ben, the podcaster, has traveled to Plumpton, TX to interview various witnesses and family members of Lucy and Savannah (Savvy); however, the police are not involved.  How does not including them make this case all the more interesting?
  • Lucy's grandmother appears to have orchestrated Lucy's involvement in the podcast research; she seems to be the only true believer that Lucy did not do it.  Other than her love for Lucy, what do you think her conviction of her innocence could be from?
  • Everyone in town describes Savvy as a beautiful and sweet girl; however, Lucy has different flashbacks and memories of a rebellious and murderous adult.  She never shared her experiences with Savvy with anyone during the initial investigation, or even later.  Why do you think that is?
  • What are your thoughts on the murderous streak in Savvy?
  • In the end we find out who the true killer was.  Did you see that coming?
  • Lucy turns in her ex-husband and parents to the police after turning in the murderer.  Why?  Do you agree with her decision?
  • What do you think will happen between Ben and Lucy?

Thursday, August 1, 2024

Random In Death by J.D. Robb

 The latest "in Death" installment is out and it fits right into the series macabre.  I used to read these back in the early 2000s as soon as they came out and eventually my fandom fizzled, so I lost track of what was going on.  If you are picking up this book for the first time, there are several key elements that you may not understand (as I did as well).  The author does not explain them very well either, as I imagine she thinks that we are reading all of her books in order (there over 50 books in the entire series, if you have the time).  So, some elements that could be confusing, as they were to me until I jogged my memory, include: 

  • Eve Dallas' super rich tech savvy husband and their amazingly electric relationship.
  • Who in the world is Mavis and why are they so excited that she is gardening?
  • What year is it?
  • And much more ...
I'll do my best to bring a summary of the series at the meetup, but for now here are the questions for discussion:

  • The first murder victim died in her hero's arms, what do you think the significance of this?
  • The second murder victim thought she was stung by a wasp, one of her biggest fears, this also holds significance.  What do you think that could be?
  • The third victim got lucky because she was injected in a previous injury.  Did you believe this scene when it occurred?
  • The descriptions of the killer were pretty basic.  Did you think that Dallas and the group were going to find him?
  • What are your thoughts on Detective Eve Dallas?  Roarke?  Their relationship?  Does it remind you of anything/anyone?
  • Which other characters did you find intriguing?
  • This story takes place much in the future; however, elements of today still exist (i.e., Coney Island).  Did you find this interesting?  Why or why not?
  • What are your thoughts about the murderer's father's involvement?
  • What are your thoughts on the final confession?  Do you think this is over?
  • What do you think the murderer will be sentenced?  What would you give him if you were the judge/jury?

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    Saturday, July 13, 2024

    (if) I Did It: Confessions of The Killer by O.J. Simpson (Ron Goldman, LLC)

     On June 12, 1994, Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman were found brutally murdered on her doorstep with her children sound asleep inside.  They were stabbed to death so viciously that the police thought Nicole was decapitated.  There was only one arrest made in connection to this murder, Nicole's husband, O.J. Simpson.  He was an acclaimed football star and actor at the top of his prime.  No one wanted to believe it was true.  Not even the jury.  After an excruciatingly long trial, O.J. was acquitted.  He was set free to continue his fame in notoriety. 

    But the question remained - who killed Nicole and Ron?

    No other arrests were made, and the families remain convinced that O.J. did it!  

    Later, in 2006, O.J. had the audacity of actually writing and publishing a book that many believed was his confession.  The Goldman family were appalled that he would profit from the gruesome murder of their son and, naturally, sued him for the rights of that book.  They won the request for rights; however, the judge made a shocking condition - the family had to publish the book in order to claim any capital that could come with it.

    So, this version of the book, revised by the Goldman family is the only legally available copy of the "confession" by O.J. Simpson.  It was both wanted and rejected by the public, but eventually became one of the New York Times bestsellers.  What do you think?

    Join the Discussion on August 17, 2024.

    Use this link to RSVP on Meetup

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    Discussion Questions:

    1. The Goldman Family published a book about their only son's murder.  They were disgusted by the topic and did not want that to be their son's legacy.  Why do you think they eventually did?
    2. O.J. wrote about the love/hate relationship he had with Nicole prior to the murders.  How accurate do you believe his view of their life was?
    3. During the year together, O.J. mentioned that Nicole asked to move into the larger home with O.J. and the children.  O.J. indicated that he did not want that, even though Nicole was losing her lease.  He later writes that he has several smaller and vacant homes (except one was occupied by Kato) on the property.  Do you think there was every discussion about allowing the family to live on those properties?  Or was this all a lie?
    4. On the night of the murder, O.J. mentioned that there was a man named Charlie present.  Who is Charlie?
    5. O.J. appears to have blacked out during the actual murder and then discusses how he hypothetically covered up a crime he never committed.  What do you get out of the depiction of this night?
    6. How do you feel about Ron Goldman's involvement?
    7. Do you think O.J. did it?


    Friday, July 12, 2024

    The Resort by Sara Ochs

     I'm going to do this a bit differently from now on!  I will be writing the blog FIRST and including the discussion questions.  When I post on Meetup this will be available for anyone interested.  Also, since I have started implementing a "troll prevention fee" to my Meetups - which has been somewhat working - I will use this blog as a vehicle to include the FREE CODE for attendees.  This does not apply to this Meetup, as no fee was assigned.

    So, about The Resort

    As thrillers go, this was definitely one for me!  There were so many secrets and twists and turns it was unbelievable.  The ending was stellar, and you were left wanting a sequel to see what happens now!  Everyone was on that island to hide but look what happened when someone threatened to give away their secrets!  The "bad guy" changed hands as freely as a relay racer and the "good guy" stayed true, but we all know what happens to those characters, don't we?

    Discussion Questions (feel free to add comments below but these will be asked at the Meetup so everyone can discuss in voce!)

    • "The Permanents" are those that have basically emigrated to this resort island of Koh Sang.  Do you envision ever living permanently on a remote island?
    • Cass receives a note at the very beginning of the story that said, "I know who you are."  Who did you think it was from?  What do you think it could have meant?  Why do you think this made her so anxious?
    • Cass and Brooke may not have been the only ones with secrets on the islands; however, they did go through great lengths to change their identities.  What did you think of their "transformations"?
    • Brooke is portrayed as a travel influencer.  What are your thoughts about influencer culture today?
    • What does Cass find next to Lucy's body?  Were you surprised to learn how it got there?
    • Cass and Brooke investigate Lucy's death because they are convinced that she was murdered.  What were their individual motives for investigating and do you think that influenced their approach?
    • The book is written back and forth between Cass and Brooke's point of views.  How did that effect your understanding of the story or influence your thought process?
    • Three people died within a few weeks.  If you were on this island as a guest at this resort, what would you do?
    • This island is a paradise.  Do you think the deaths would affect how people viewed the island and the resort?
    • How do you feel about Brooke and Cass after learning about their truths?
    • The final twist introduces the real mastermind and villain of the story.  How well do you think the author created this suspenseful and inconclusive "ending."


    Monday, July 1, 2024

    The Fury by Alex Michaelides

     This one was a little hard to follow.  I mean, I get the premise - deserted island, murder, mayhem, etc. However, I find it hard to believe that the story played out the way it did.  Are rich people really that bored that they have to plan murder retreats on their deserted islands?  Why drag your kid into this idiocy also.  Are there not better ways to deal with conflicts?  You know, like talk to each other?

    Well, psychologically, many people are intrigued by mystery and some even love to toy with other's emotions.  So, I guess that's why this novel came about.  The author does do a good job of keeping you guessing until the very end and adding several plot twists and red herrings.  Yet, in the end, I think it fell short in the area of likability for me.

    What are your thoughts?



    Sunday, June 9, 2024

    Stay Awake by Megan Goldin

     This was one of my best rated books, 5 out of 5 stars!  

    In this thriller, Goldin touches on themes of amnesia and interplays the manipulation of a murderer!

    Liv Reese suffers from a strange case of amnesia (very reminiscent of a movie I really liked named Memento).  Every time she goes to sleep, she forgets everything that happened since the morning of her friend's murder!  She doesn't even remember that her friend (and her boyfriend) is dead!  What's more, she was blamed (and framed) for the murders and it remains unsolved.  That means, if she truly isn't the killer, then that person is out there, and could be after her, too.

    There were twists and turns involved in this murder mystery.  Liv had some people rooting for her, but they ended up hurt (or killed), too.  It was getting pretty scary for her until she figured it out!  The question was, could she stay awake long enough to prove it?

    Definitely would recommend!



    Sunday, April 28, 2024

    Home Before Dark by Riley Sager

     Thriller Genre, 384 pages, published in 2024; themes: haunted house, lies, memories.

    Rating - 5/5; Enjoyment - 5/5; Writing - 5/5; Characters - 5/5; Plot - 5/5; Readability - 5/5; and Setting - 5/5.

    What did you think of the book?  What will you take away from it?

    The book was well written.  I liked how the two-story lines went together.  I really thought the house was haunted.

    What was the aim of the book, and how well did the author fulfill it?

    Probably to provide entertainment via a realistic fiction.  You are left to wonder whether the house truly is haunted until the very end.

    Would you recommend this book to others?  Who is the target audience?

    Yes, thrill seekers and ghost hunters which is currently relevant to me.

    One-sentence book review

    What haunts you may not be dead.

    Thoughts and Notes

    ***Spoiler Alert***

    Maggie grew up - not really - in a giant mansion known to be haunted but that's only because her father wrote a book saying it was.  Maggie doesn't believe it because she was 5 and doesn't remember any of it.

    Her dad dies and she inherited this house - yes, the haunted house - she didn't even know her dad still owned it.  Well, she wants to flip it because that's what she does.  Since she knows it's not haunted then there's no issue. 

    Well, she gets there, and strange stuff keeps happening.  She's losing her mind.  Until we find out the house does have secrets - secret passageways!


    Sunday, April 21, 2024

    No One Can Know by Kate Alice Marshall

     Thriller genre published in 2024, about 325 pages.  Themes:  Betrayal, murder, etc.

    Ratings - 5 out of 5 overall

    Enjoyment - 4/5

    Writing - 4/5

    Characters - 5/5

    Plot - 3/5

    Readability 5/5

    Setting - 5/5

    What did you think of the book?  What will you take away from it?

    Well planned and developed.  Take away - things are never what they seem.  Your story may not be the most accurate.

    What was the aim of the book, and how well did the author fulfill it?

    Provide various angels to the same story.  Isn't that how life works?  Elements of suspense, questions, doubts, etc.  Well done.

    Would you recommend this book to others?  Who is the target audience?

    Absolutely, thriller lovers with find it a good read.

    One sentence book review

    You will never know the whole truth unless you talk about it.

    Thoughts and Notes

    ***SPOILER ALERT***

    Emma doesn't talk about her past, but her husband forces the issue when he loses his job, and they need a place to live.

    They move into her childhood home - where her parents were murdered - in order to survive.  Then the past comes back full swing.

    All 3 sisters (yeah, did I mention Emma has 2 sisters?) were somehow involved in their parent's murder but they swore not to tell anyone anything they knew.

    A guy named Gabe was Emma's friend - much older - no funny business apparently - and they though he did it too.

    The parents were abusive, so all the girls seemed to want them dead but did one of them actually do it.

    Well, the story kind of leads us to believe that the youngest sister did it - well 1/2 did it.

    But who killed Emma's husband?


    Sunday, April 14, 2024

    Island of Lost Girls by Jennifer McMahon

     Published in 2008.  

    Themes:  kidnapping, family problems, incest, sexual abuse

    My Ratings - 5 ⭐

    Enjoyment - 5/5

    Writing - 5/5

    Characters - 3/5

    Plot - 2/5

    Readability - 5/5

    Setting - 5/5

    What did you think of the book?  What will you take away from it?

    It was easy to follow and an interesting premise.  I'm not sure I would have chosen the strange white rabbit theme though - I wonder what the symbolism is here.

    What was the aim of the book, and how well did the author fulfill it?

    Fantasy mixing with reality.  It was definitely well relayed, in my opinion, with certain aspects.  For example, how the young girl was "method acting" by embodying a dirty pirate because she was trying to become her character in the play, Captain Hook.  When in reality she was trying to stay dirty so her father wouldn't be interested in her (gross on several levels).

    Would you recommend this book to others?  Who is the target audience?

    Yes.  It's a good thriller and could appeal to many true/kinda true crime fanatics.  However, I hated the rape idea of it.  

    One-sentence Book Review

    The white rabbit was always meant to be seen but never followed.

    Thoughts, Notes, Summary

    **Spoiler Alert**

    Rhonda watches a little girl get kidnapped by a white rabbit in broad daylight.

    History of Rhonda:

    • In love with Peter
    • Peter is married to Tock
    • Peter's sister and father are missing
    • Peter's sister, Lizzy, was Rhonda's best friend
    • Peter's mother was married to Rhonda's father before her parents 
    • Peter is not Rhonda's father's son
    So what happened?
    • Peter's dad was raping Lizzy
    • Lizzy killed her dad
    • Peter and Tock hid the body in the stage
    • Peter made Rhonda and the others destroy the stage
    • Lizzy ran away
    • No one looked for the Dad in the stage
    • The girl who was kidnapped in the beginning was kidnapped by a store owner's nephew in a white rabbit suit
    • Store owner's nephew has an accident - little girl is killed - he hides the body
    • Store owner befriended the girl and staged the kidnapping because she lost her sister
    Rhonda knew nothing but was always there



    Wednesday, March 27, 2024

    Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier

     What did you think of the book?  What will you take from it?

    Too gory and a whole lot of nonsense.  There were many elements that were added that had nothing to do with the plot.  I didn't think the ending was believable at all.  I did not like any of the characters.

    What was the aim of the book, and how well did the author fulfill it?

    My guess is shock and awe, but I think she was aiming for a nurture v. nature and parental choices argument.  The main character places her child up for adoption because she is young and doesn't want to raise a rapist's baby.  However, she did not want to abort it either.  Eventually the child becomes a serial killer, much like his father but the mother is far from innocent.

    Would you recommend the book to others?  Who is the target audience?

    I wouldn't recommend it but there may be others interested.

    One sentence book review

    Sometimes being a terrible person can be inherited.

    Thoughts and notes

    Geo helps hide the body of her friend Angela who was murdered by Geo's boyfriend after he raper her in front of Geo.  They were all drunk, but he's just no good.  The boyfriend then becomes a serial killer.  He rapes Geo and she gets pregnant.  The son is adopted but later also becomes a serial killer targeting mothers who gave their children up for adoption and their children!!! Adopted son tracks Geo down and tripe to rape and kill her (gross!).  In the meantime, she has sex with the cop who arrested her and was her childhood friend.  We find out Geo was the one who cup up Angela because Clay couldn't do it.  Geo is now pregnant with the cop's baby.  What a recipe for disaster!


    Saturday, March 2, 2024

    The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth

     What would you do if your father married someone younger than you?  What about if he was planning to marry this younger woman while your mother was still alive AND they were still married?  

    I mean just that is enough to shock, but Hepworth doesn't stop here.  She adds in many different psychological dynamics, including kleptomania, stress eating, and let's not forget the many facets of abusive husbandry!

    There are three main characters - the 3 thirty-year-old females, 2 sisters and the wife to be.  Each of them comes with their own sets of problems.

    • Tully - kleptomaniac with various doses of anxiety.  One of her children seems to suffer from a case of it, too.  But no one is talking about her husband, who happens to make such a bad investment that the family loses millions.  I mean, what about this discretion, why is the stealing the big deal?
    • Rachel - she was raped, and no one knows.  She hides her feelings and eats them away.  This comes in handy, as it is disguised in her baking business.  But everything is fixed when she meets the perfect mate, Darcy.  Right?
    • Heather - What does she see in the older man?  He's double her age with children her age!  Could it be money?  I think it's more the daddy issues.  I mean her father was the classic abuser, could her husband be too?
    That's the real question.  Was Stephen, the father and husband, the abuser?  There were many clues, but ultimately, I am not fully convinced.  However, someone was, right?  Given the outcome.

    Sunday, February 11, 2024

    The Hellsinki Affair by Anna Pitoniak

     I despise spy novels.  Ok, maybe that was too strong.  I definitely didn't like this one.  There was no meat to chew on for me.  I met with one other member of the Thriller Book Club who had similar thoughts and I figure others didn't join in because they didn't like it (or couldn't get through it) either. 

    I couldn't attach myself to any of the characters either; none of them had an appealing backstory.  Maybe Maurice, but his part was minor. 

    If that is the spy life - I'm glad I'm not part of it.

    I also couldn't capture any "psychological elements" that were super apparent.  Maybe the idea of multiple personalities, but these spies entered these double lives willingly, so it's not really a psychosis.  There were elements of dual relationships (i.e., daughter investigating father), but also not salacious enough.  

    So, this is the shortest blog, but I'm willing to discuss if you have any further input ...



    Tuesday, January 16, 2024

    When I'm Dead by Hannah Morrisey

     Black Harbour is definitely an interesting place to live and work.  I get the impression that it is so small town you know what everyone had for breakfast.  However small it is, bodies are dropping everywhere.  So, people just live in this purgatory where you are bound to die a murderous death?  How can you possibly want to live amongst a murderer?  Unless you are one of course.

    Well, that is just one aspect of the book that did not make sense to me but added to the quality of the writing in When I'm Dead.  A medical examiner and police officer find themselves in the thick of the action when their daughter goes missing amidst a murder investigation of one of her classmates.  One body quickly turns in to two and then their daughter is shifted from being a victim to possible murder suspect.  What a whirlwind of emotions for the parents and the rest of the town.

    When I'm Dead offers many red herrings by way of miscellaneous characters (i.e., the pumpkin lady and taxidermy teacher).  Definitely says something about the town that there is a taxidermy class available as an elective, which is also well attended!  You get a sense that maybe the town isn't that small if these characters exist.  I'll let you comment/be the judge.

    Psychological Elements

    One of the characters that was brought up was Rowan.  Many thought she was a bit narcissistic.  She managed to make everything about her.  Her daughter went missing because it was "Kharma" that she may have been involved in the death of another daughter in the distant past.  The pumpkin lady lost her child tragically, so all of a sudden Rowan gets that she has been an absent parent.  Libby is a possible suspect; oh no her mother is no longer going to want to be my friend.  I mean come on!

    Other elements are the killer's delusions.  He talked to his dead sister and mother.  He believed Chloe was his sister and dressed her to play the part.  He essentially was living in a fantasy world of his own creation.  

    Chloe in her own right developed a dissociative way to cope with the trauma.  Her "method acting" can be seen as a coping mechanism as well.  She embodies the character enough that she believes she is the character.  In this way, she can safely disassociate from the pain and suffering by convincing herself that it is happening to the character, not to her.  Bravo!

    Tell me what you think!



    Monday, January 1, 2024

    None of This is True by Lisa Jewell

     The title honestly says it all.  I didn't know what to believe in the end.  The main antagonist sends us through a whirlwind of feelings when she describes a past that didn't actually happen the way she explained it, but it did in a way (insert confused emoji here).  Then a new character, but not really (she is mentioned throughout the book), emerges and then sets the record straight (or does she?).  Well, if you didn't read it, I recommend you do to understand what the heck I'm talking about!

    There is murder and mayhem in the end, so this is definitely in the thriller category.

    Psychological Elements

    One of my favorite characters is self-medicating throughout the book.  Going on drinking sprees and getting himself into loads of wicked trouble, but not the ones you would imagine as you read through.  However, we don't really dive into his skeletons or ghosts in the closet.  He is a character I would have loved to know more about.  His death seems imminent and necessary to the plot, but you don't really feel attached to him because he is painted in a bad light until the end.

    Of course, there is the main antagonist's psychosis which, to me, can only be described as sociopathy.  She creates a world and past in her mind and basically forces everyone to believe it.  The apple doesn't seem to fall far from the tree when her daughter is introduced in the end.  

    The idea of pedophilia is also discussed in this book and that is what I hated the most.  I despise the idea of pedophilia but understand that this is a very real topic.  I mean I am one of Law & Order: SVU's biggest fans after all!  I'm not too thrilled with how this topic played out.  I was utterly disgusted with this in the end.


    Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

     Finally, a book with a male lead.  Many of our recent thrillers centered on a female protagonist that gets in to all sorts of mischief, tro...